Paraguayan broadcaster Jorge “Chipi” Vera has had his World Cup accreditation revoked by FIFA after launching an expletive-filled attack on football’s governing body and match officials during Paraguay’s 1-0 defeat of Turkey.
Vera lost his temper on live television after Paraguayan star Miguel Almirón was sent off for breaching a new FIFA rule banning players from covering their mouths during on-field exchanges.
The commentator branded FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the referee “thieves” and accused them of damaging the sport. He later issued a public apology, admitting his remarks were unacceptable and saying FIFA had cancelled his credentials, preventing him from taking part in any World Cup-related coverage.
Vera, who works for ABC Cardinal and ABC TV, said he had accepted full responsibility for his conduct and acknowledged he failed to maintain the professionalism expected of a broadcaster. FIFA declined to comment publicly, although a source indicated the organisation viewed his behaviour as incompatible with the standards required of accredited media personnel.
